FEDERAL SUICIDE PREVENTION FUNDING FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY The ACT have been granted almost $220,000 in Suicide prevention funding, to assist Indigenous communities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson announced today.

"Suicide is a major public health problem in Australia, with about 2,400 people dying each year", Senator Patterson said.

"The projects funded today take a wide ranging approach to suicide prevention which includes developing linkages between services, working with groups at particular risk, and assisting the community to be more aware of mental health issues.

"For example, the Mental Health First Aid Course aims to provide skills and knowledge for people to be able to assist friends or family members who may experience a mental health problem.

"These innovative and exciting projects will promote health and wellbeing by promoting partnerships between community groups and local government organisations."

Groups at risk of suicide include young men, the elderly, people with mental illnesses, people with substance abuse problems, rural and remote residents, Indigenous Australians and people in correctional institutions.

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy aims to help local communities build resources and expand and develop existing links with community and non-government organisations that support people at risk of suicide or self-harming behaviours.